Turret ArchAbout Turret Arch
Turret Arch is a natural sandstone arch within Arches National Park in eastern Utah, positioned in the park’s popular Windows Section. It is one of several closely spaced arches and rock openings that draw most day visitors to that area.
A compact viewpoint and short trail network that brings visitors within tens of meters of the arch for photography and close inspection. The arch is part of a larger rock formation that includes nearby openings and viewpoints, all reachable from the same parking area.
Like other arches in the park, Turret Arch formed by wind and water erosion of Entrada Sandstone over long periods, with fractures and weathering gradually opening and enlarging the span. The feature is geologically young in human terms and continues to change slowly with ongoing erosion.
Situated inside Arches National Park near the park’s main cluster of attractions, the arch is north of Moab in eastern Utah and is commonly visited as part of the park’s short driving and walking loops.
- Access: Reached by a short, mostly paved spur from the nearby Windows parking area, making it accessible on a brief walk from the lot.
- Timing: Best visited early or late in the day to avoid the midday heat common in the park’s high desert environment.
What to See#
- Windows Section: Located in the Windows Section of Arches National Park alongside other landmarks such as North and South Window and Double Arch, forming part of a compact cluster of viewpoints.
Nearby Attractions to Turret Arch
Best Time to Visit Turret Arch
Best in spring or autumn for mild temperatures and manageable crowds; summer is very hot, winter may bring snow.
Weather & Climate near Turret Arch
Turret Arch's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 35°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -8° - 4° | -4° | 21 mm | - | - | 1.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -5° - 9° | 0° | 15 mm | - | - | 2.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -1° - 14° | 4° | 25 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 3° - 19° | 11° | 22 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 8° - 25° | 16° | 22 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 13° - 31° | 22° | 11 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 17° - 35° | 26° | 24 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 16° - 34° | 25° | 25 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 11° - 28° | 20° | 24 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 4° - 21° | 12° | 32 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -3° - 12° | 3° | 21 mm | - | - | 1.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -7° - 6° | -3° | 19 mm | - | - | 1.6 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Turret Arch
Turret Arch is inside Arches National Park, about 5 miles (8 km) north of Moab, Utah on US‑191. The park is best reached by car; once inside the park follow signs to the Windows/Double Arch parking area and take the short trail to Turret Arch.
Tips for Visiting Turret Arch
- Arrive before dawn or after 4pm to avoid the heaviest tour‑bus crowds and to catch the best light on the arch.
- Trail surface can be loose sand; wear shoes that give good traction and bring at least 1 litre of water per person.
- Turret Arch is visible from the Windows/Double Arch area - combine with nearby short trails to see multiple formations in one outing.